NWA Jersey

In the second of my series of articles for Inside the Indys I have decided to take a look at NWA Jersey. Remember, the majority of this article is my opinion, based upon what I have seen in person. The thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and not necessarily those of anyone else. With that in mind, I look forward to your comments or lashing out.

For those of you unfamiliar with the NWA Jersey, here is a little background on the promotion:

NWA Jersey is one of approximately 18 promotions that are members of the National Wrestling Alliance. NWA Jersey is spearheaded by SEG, INC which is led by E.W. (Gino) Moore Jr., Fred G. Rubenstein, and Joseph Panzarino.

Prior to NWA Jersey, there was an NWA New Jersey which ran shows throughout NJ on a regular basis.

I asked Mr. Moore what made Mr. Rubenstein, Mr Panzarino and himself decide to get together and form this new NWA promotion.
"We did not like the way the promotion was being run. I had just gotten Wildwood and I was not going to let it be run with my time, effort, and money and let someone else reap the benefits. I had gone to Wildwood and closed the deal with Dapper (Panzarino) and we both decided that we would make it on our own talents.", stated Gino.

He continues, "At that time the former NWA promoter had trouble with the NWA BOARD and he was in danger of losing his membership. We asked Fred to join us, stating that we wanted to run another way, not as he was running it. We wanted to run it as a business not a college prank, we wanted it to have a different slant, we also felt, that there are to be times, when the people you like and care for, have to be replaced. It is a very hard thing to say to a friend that you really care about, that you have to bring in someone to take their place. It is the nature of the business."

"We felt that Dapper was the best in the Northeast in getting venues, I had the business CO already in place, and with Fred we had someone that had a legal knowledge and contract know how to get it done. The real reason was that we liked each other and respected each other, and above all TRUSTED EACH OTHER", concluded Mr. Moore.

So how does the NWA Jersey compete with the tons of other promotions that currently run throughout NJ? What makes them different from the rest?

"What makes us different is that we realized that in order to do high school, and college shows we had to bring our shows to a family type of show, without the hard-core, blood letting, sexism. We had to bring family entertainment back to the schools. When in fact, in New Jersey, because of the different styles, laws were made to bring our style of shows, before it was mandated." states Gino.

While other promotions are pushing a more aggressive, adult oriented product, NWA Jersey continues to promote "family oriented" shows. Don't get me wrong, I've been to many NWA Jersey shows, and you still get your share of hard hitting action. With guys the size of 911 and the Wall working many of their shows, you're always bound to see a tables match. Throw in a ladder match between Crowbar, Chris Candido, Simon Diamond, Ace Darling or Nova (prior to signing with WWE) and you are still getting a hard hitting, action paced bout.

At this moment in time, the entire industry is on a downslide. How does the NWA plan on keeping their product fresh and keeping the fans coming?

"The wrestling business has always been in up and down. Personally, I believe there is too much wrestling on television. I believe and hope that the new pay-per-view with the new NWA, if that goes according to plan, gives alternative to THE WWE. For business to survive you need a choice, even if the second choice is not the best possible answer, I hope it makes a top guy, make his product better, and then we hope for trickle down effect for the independents.", says Mr. Moore

NWA Jersey, for the most part, runs in high schools and colleges. Running in such a venue allows the school to have a vested interest in the show and should be reason enough for the school to try and sell as many tickets as possible. After all, the more tickets sold, the more money that goes to the school or the organization or program earning funds from it. Unfortunately, the school doesn't always do its part in selling tickets.
So how about finding an "arena" or a home building to run out of regularly?

Mr. Moore comments, "We are always looking for venues other than high schools and colleges where we can run regularly, but as soon as we find a building, in New Jersey, the others try to follow you. Before long the building in the area is burned out. It is a cutthroat business. The people who work for you now, will be trying to steal your buildings tomorrow, but that's the nature of business"

So, we now know how the NWA Jersey came into effect and how Mr. Moore feels they are different from the others out there. Now, let's break it down by the actual product.

I've been (along with my cohorts) to many NWA Jersey shows. They have ranged from phenomenal to sad (well only one REALLY sad show but I won't mention Big Slam's match :)

First and foremost, most schools or organizations that agree to host a wrestling event want a "name" on the show. Some organizations go so far as to insist on names like HHH, Jericho, and other WWE talent that can not be gotten. Other talent, mostly former WWF and WCW stars can be obtained. However, some of them want a ridiculously high amount of money to work an indy show. This leaves the NWA in a predicament. Do they spend a ton of money on a "name" which leaves them with little to spend on the undercard? or do they bring in lots of great indy talent, practically guaranteeing a great WRESTLING show, but possibly losing money on a low attendance. The question is not easily answered. Hell, if it was, I'd be running shows by now.

Let's take a look at some of the talent NWA Jersey uses on a regular basis (or has used up until recently).

911 - Has some remaining name value from his days in ECW. While he is far from a great "wrestler" he gets a pop out of the crowd and can usually put on a pretty good brawl with the right opponent.

The Wall - A former WCW name. His size is tremendous. Can put on a great table match without having to worry about the blood and gore. Of course, it all depends on who you put against him.

Dave Mysterio - Personally, I have little if anything nice to say. Starting off with a horrible gimmick, trying to rip off Rey Mysterio Jr. To make matters worse, if you're going to rip off a gimmick, you better be able to back it up with your work rate. I've yet to see Mysterio put on an impressive match.

Slayer - A good "light weight". Crowd enjoys hating him and he can actually wrestle.

Father Osbourne - As long as he's not in the ring wrestling, he's great. Especially now, with the world enchanted by Ozzy, he could be big (as a manager).

Wrestlers like Simon Diamond, Chris Candido, Nova, Crowbar, and Ace Darling don't need me putting them over here. They are all phenomenal talents. They all put on a great match whether they're in front of 50 people or 5000.

Dapper Johnny Falco - The main manager in the organization (possibly because he's one of the main 3 guys running it). Falco is a great heel manager. He can get the crowd to chant "Diaper" at him every time. He builds up the crowd as if he's their friend then turns on them in a second. My only problem with him is when he's overused. One or two matches of Dapper is great, more than that kills his heat. Let Dapper manage those guys who you know can't work a mic. Let him go out with a new guy to help him catch some "heat". Let him go out when you know you need a screwjob ending in a title bout. Just don't let him go out for all three on the same card.

Frank "the Addiction" Kuhl - I never saw this guy prior to NWA Jersey and I've never seen him work elsewhere thus far. He's great. He has the in ring talent. He pops the crowd (mostly at his hometown HS or the one he works in). However, I've not seen him put on a bad match yet.

Big Slam Vader - OK, I had to mention it. I haven't seen his name on a card in a while...lets keep it that way. Do we really need another chokepush incident?

Senior Referee Fred Richards - One of the best, and most entertaining refs on the indy scene. He works the crowd, he can work heel or face, and he can actually ref a match correctly!!!

The Prophet - Another guy I had never seen before he worked here. He has improved each time I have seen him. Lots of potential.

Sound Guy Gino Moore - What other sound guy takes such abuse (and usually he deserves it). As long as he doesn't screw up the entrance music, you can keep him there. Hell, we don't want to see him in the ring!

SAT - Spanish Announce Team of Jose and Joel are one of the best tag teams on the indy scene today. When put against another team that regularly works together, they can put on a mind blowing match.

In addition to the "regulars", NWA Jersey has recently started a working relationship with the IWF. IWF trainers, and indy wrestlers, Biggie Biggs and Kevin Knight have been working many NWA Jersey shows. In addition, some of the IWF students and graduates have begun working shows. This is great as it allows the fans to see some new talent while it allows the new talent to work in front of a crowd. Of course, on the downside, a wrestling crowd will turn on you in a heartbeat with their "Boring", "You Suck", or "You F'd Up" chants.

Power Company - Twins who are usually winded before getting into the ring.

Twin Tackles - Two big guys. Not the greatest wrestlers in the world but they are power houses and have a good look. If used correctly, they could be major heels.

Tom Brandy, AKA The Patriot - OK when used with the other big boys but really isn't a main event wrestler anymore.

Additional talent includes Tony Flo, The Great Blazine, Amy Lee, Psycho Witch, Roman, Greg Matthews, Steve Corino, and Bobcat (some of whom are tremendously talented, some of whom need tremendous work)

Looking at the list above, you can see that NWA Jersey has a solid core of workers. With the addition of some "rookies" now and then, plus those on the indy scene that have made names for themselves, the roster is a good one.

Unfortunately, running in high schools makes it tough to keep a running storyline. How many people who saw last months show in Toms River are going to see this months show in northern NJ? That's why, if you can't do too many continuing stroylines, you have to focus on that one night itself. Any angles you're going to start, you better finish, unless you're coming back to that building in the next few months. Make sure your strong matches (the Candidos, Diamonds, Novas, Darlings, Crowbars, etc.) run long enough to tell a story and make the fans feel they are "getting what they paid for". Make sure your less than stellar matches (911 vs Big Slams) are short and sweet.

Most of all, if you're going to do a gimmick or an angle make sure it makes sense!!! My one example, which to this day we still talek about. Big Dick Dudley vs Simon Diamond with special referee Dawn Marie. At one point, Dawn mad the fast 3 count and declared Simon the winner and new champion. Gino got on the mic and declared that Dawn "is a biased referee and your decision will not stand. This match continues with an NWA sanctioned ref." WHAT? Isn't the WHOLE POINT of her being the ref for her to be biased? Let Simon keep the belt, then next show he can drop it.

In the past, NWA Jersey has had had its share of phenomenal matches (Chris Hamrick v Pat Tanaka, Big Dick v Candido v Sabu in a ladder match, Chetti v Nova) HOWEVER they have also had their share of disappointments (911 v Big Slam in a match where the winner must use their finisher, 911 doing a chicken dance, a horrible run in finish to a lightweight match). What promotion hasn't had it's shining moments and it's less than stellar ones? If they can continue to put on more good than bad, they're ahead of the game.

Jim Kettner's ECWA introduced the ECWATron several years ago. (It has since been picked up by JAP and numerous other promotions). The purpose of the ECWATron was to provide a recap of the prior months matches to those who may have missed them. If the NWA could include something like that into their show, it would allow them to carry out storylines. However, it has to be used correctly. If that's not an option, have a few paragraphs in the evenings program explaining how Wrestler A def Wrestler B to win the title

If NWA Jersey can continue to give fans the combination of high fliers, mat wrestlers, and some good brawlers, they will continue strongly in NJ. With the current amount of talent out there, the list of names available is amazing. NWA Jersey has to determine which of these "names", if any, they would like to use. They must then determine which ones will actually help draw a crowd. While other promotions are asking for $20 or more per ticket if NWA Jersey keeps the majority of their ticket prices at $20 or less. Most importantly, which one is worth their asking price. The other promotions are so busy trying to destroy each other that they are no longer concentrating on their product. This can only help NWA Jersey. While the rest of the promotions continue the bloodletting and suicidal matches, the message board wars, the "invading" of others "territories", NWA Jersey may just slip in and rule the roost.

For further information on NWA Jersey check out their website at http://www.nwajersey.com.

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Contact Brett Schwan at WresClothesline@aol.com

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